GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 23.2: Thread Escalation

"If your students cannot prove they deserve to be here, I suggest your class finds another corner of the Academy to practice in," Hust continued, his voice carrying across the training yard for all to hear.

Lyvenna stood alone against the instructors' ridicule, defending her students without backup. Vel watched her shoulders tighten with the strain.

He could just stay quiet. The unstable group could accept the mockery. They would move on faster than expected. Yet from behind, Vel could see Lyvenna's helplessness as she stood despite the incident not being entirely her fault. Against his better judgment, Vel found himself stepping forward.

"With all due respect, Instructor," Vel began, his voice steadier than he expected. Conversations stopped mid-sentence as heads turned toward him. "Perhaps an apology is in order from Tomas for the disruption."

Tomas looked at him with surprise, then nodded quickly, seeming relieved that someone had taken control of the situation.

"I apologize for the incident," Tomas said, his voice barely audible.

Vel continued, "But to tell an unstable attunement student to demonstrate a stable spell on only our second day is quite a task." He met Hust's gaze directly. "Perhaps there is another way to prove ourselves?"

Silence spread across the training yard. Even the elite students had stopped their practice to watch.

Hust's eyebrows rose slightly. "What exactly are you proposing, Mr..."

"Novalance. Velarian Novalance," Vel supplied, his voice steadier than expected. "A contest. We will, as you suggested, 'prove' to you that unstable spells have their uses."

Hust's expression shifted to intrigue. Something in his calculating gaze suggested this was exactly what he'd hoped to provoke.

Walking right into his trap.

Murmurs spread through the students. Tomas straightened slightly, humiliation giving way to cautious hope.

"If we win, let's forget about this incident," Vel added, gesturing toward the scorched sand.

Hust studied him, then smiled thinly. "Fascinating. Day two at the Academy, and already challenging an instructor."

Thornwood stepped forward eagerly. "Allow me to represent our class, Instructor Hust. I'd be happy to demonstrate the difference between proper training and... creative interpretation."

Vel glanced at Lyvenna, suddenly aware his challenge had removed her control. Her expression remained composed, but he caught the slight narrowing of her eyes—calculation, not anger.

"Instructor Lyvenna, with your permission, of course."

"An interesting proposition, Mr. Novalance," she said carefully. "Though I wonder if you've considered all the implications."

The warning was clear. She was giving him a chance to reconsider.

Vel took a deep breath. Retreating now would only confirm every stereotype about the unstable group.

"Terms?" Hust inquired, tone suggesting he was humoring a child.

"A practical demonstration of our abilities. Not just isolated control exercises, but showing what we can actually do—"

"We have no interest in practical applications," Hust cut him off dismissively. "My students are trained to be warriors and mages, not casual crafters. Creating ice sculptures or warming bathwater isn't what the Academy teaches."